You don’t need to visit a salon every week to keep your nails looking neat and healthy. With a few basic tools and the right techniques, an at-home manicure can help your nails stay strong while saving you time and money.
Also see: Tips to maintain fresh manicure in winter
Whether you prefer a natural look or colourful polish, these simple tips can help you achieve salon-worthy results from the comfort of your home.
Start with clean nails
Before beginning your manicure, remove any old nail polish and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
According to Cleveland Clinic, keeping your nails clean and dry can help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing while supporting overall nail health.
Gather the right tools
Having the right supplies makes the process much easier. You’ll need:
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Cuticle pusher
- Nail buffer
- Base coat
- Nail polish (optional)
- Top coat
- Cuticle oil or hand cream
Using clean, good-quality tools also helps reduce the risk of infection.
Trim and shape carefully
Trim your nails to your desired length before filing them into shape.
Cleveland Clinic recommends filing your nails in one direction instead of using a back-and-forth sawing motion, which can weaken nails and lead to splitting.
Choose a shape that suits your lifestyle, such as rounded, squoval or oval, to help reduce breakage.
Take care of your cuticles
Instead of cutting your cuticles, soften them by soaking your fingertips in warm water for a few minutes before gently pushing them back.
According to Mayo Clinic, cuticles act as a protective barrier against infection, so cutting them unnecessarily may increase the risk of bacteria entering the nail area.
Also see: Winter nail care tips to make your manicure last longer
Buff gently
A light buff can smooth ridges and create an even surface for nail polish.
Avoid excessive buffing, as this can thin the nail plate and make nails more prone to damage.
Apply polish the right way
If you’re wearing nail polish:
- Apply a thin base coat to protect your nails.
- Add two thin coats of colour rather than one thick coat.
- Finish with a top coat to seal the polish and add shine.
Allow each coat to dry before applying the next to reduce smudging.
Moisturise your hands and nails
Healthy nails start with proper hydration.
Massage cuticle oil into your nails and apply hand cream daily, especially after washing your hands.
The British Association of Dermatologists recommends regular moisturising to help protect both the skin and nails from dryness.
Protect your manicure
To help your manicure last longer:
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
- Avoid using your nails as tools to open containers.
- Reapply a top coat every few days to maintain shine and reduce chipping.
Give your nails a break
If you wear nail polish regularly, consider taking occasional breaks between manicures.
This allows you to monitor your nail health and helps minimise staining from darker polish shades.
Know when to seek professional advice
Changes such as persistent nail discolouration, severe brittleness, pain or swelling around the nails could indicate an underlying health issue.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for an assessment.
Also see: 4 DIY ways to remove gel nails at home
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